Anything I need to know or keep in mind?

Also - how does the water circulate through the sterilizer -
do i need a pump?

There are two kinds of UV sterilizers: inline and standalone. Some can be used
either way.

The inline models are meant to be used with cannister filters. You just hook
it up "inline" with the cannister filter, and the cannister filter's pump runs
water through it. (You should get a T-connector, so you can control the amount
of water that goes through the sterilizer.)

The standalone models are meant to be hooked to a powerhead, which you must buy
separately. (Check to make sure the flowrate of the powerhead is within the UV
sterilizer's recommended flowrate.)

As for issues...some people worry that UV light oxidize iron and other
nutrients, turning them into a form plants can't use. This is a fairly small
effect, however. UV sterilizers are routinely used with hydroponics setups,
with no ill effects.


Leigh

http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/halloween/881/